On the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Americans across the country are paying tribute to those who lost their lives. Powerful images from memorial services in Shanksville, Pa., Arlington, Va., New York City and elsewhere around the nation show how raw emotions still are, but also how the nation has moved forward but not forgotten.

Visible from space, a smoke plume rises from the Manhattan area after two planes crashed into the towers of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. (NASA)

The South Tower pool during observances held on the eleventh anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, at the site in New York, September 11, 2012. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)

American flags are sit in the engravings of people’s names during memorial ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Justin Lane/Getty Images)

Zachary Ellicott who lost a family member Keith James Burns, observes a moment of silence for US Flight 93 that crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, during memorial ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Chang W. Lee-Pool/Getty Images)

Rema Weiser, Virginia Pacheco and Dinah Pacheco (from L) pause at the edge of the North Pool of the 9/11 Memorial during ceremonies marking the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, September 11, 2012. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

Brian McAleese honors his namesake and uncle, Brian McAleese of Engine Company 226, during observances held on the eleventh anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, at the site in New York, September 11, 2012. (Todd Maisel/pool/AFP/Getty Images)

A folded American flag left on the wall near the names of those who died at the Pentagon is seen at the South Tower pool during observances held on the eleventh anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, at the site in New York, September 11, 2012. (Timothy A. Clary/Pool/AFP/Getty Images)

Kio Jung Chu touches her daughter Pamela Chu’s engraved name during memorial ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Chang W. Lee-Pool/Getty Images)

Flags left on the wall at the South Tower pool during observances for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site September 11, 2012 in New York City. The nation is commemorating the eleventh anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks which resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people after two hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and one crash landed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Timothy A. Clary-Pool/Getty Images)

Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) delivers remarks at a remembrance ceremony for the victims of the attacks of September 11 at the U.S. Capitol September 11, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) (R) and Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) (L) bow their heads in remembrance of the victims of the attacks of September 11 during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol September 11, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

A New York City police officer salutes a flag hanging from One World Trade at ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2012 in New York City. (John Moore/AFP/Getty Images)

Lucrezia Susca (L) holds a photo of her daughter Grace Gollante-Susca and Chiara Pesce holds a photo of her son Danny Pesce during ceremonies marking the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, in New York, September 11, 2012. (Eric Thayer/Reuters)

Scott Willens, who joined the United States Army three days after the attacks on 9/11, pauses while reflecting by the South Pool on friends he has lost while on deployment during ceremonies marking the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, September 11, 2012. (Justin Lane/Reuters)

New York City firefighters of Engine 33, Ladder 9 observe a moment of silence during ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

New York City firefighters gather at Engine 33, Ladder 9 between ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2012 in New York City. Engine 33, Ladder 9 lost ten firefighters in the attacks. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Members of the American Brothers New York Motorcycle Club pause at the South Tower during ceremonies marking the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, September 11, 2012. (Timothy A. Clary/Reuters)

The opening bell is rung on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Allison Joyce/Getty Images)

David Peters displays a jacket with a painting of the Twin Towers outside of the World Trade Center site on the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Christine Gonda places a picture of firefighter George Kane at the engraving of his name at the South Pool during ceremonies marking the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, in New York, September 11, 2012. (Justin Lane/Reuters)

A firefighter’s hat sits on names of firefighters who perished, at the South Pool during ceremonies marking the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, September 11, 2012. (Justin Lane/Reuters)

US President Barack Obama(C) speaks during a ceremony commemorating the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on September 11, 2012 at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Looking on are Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Martin Dempsey (R) and US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta (L). (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)

US President Barack Obama listens to the National Anthem during a memorial service at the Pentagon September 11, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama attended the memorial service near where American Airlines flight 77 was crashed into the Pentagon to honor the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

An unidentified couple sit on a bench during a memorial service on the 11th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001 to honor the 184 people who lost their lives when American Airlines flt. 77 crashed into the Pentagon, outside Washington, September 11, 2012. (Larry Downing/Reuters)

A woman cries as she listens as US President Barack Obama speaks during a memorial service at the Pentagon September 11, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

US President Barack Obama and US First Lady Michelle Obama visit graves at Arlington National Cemetery’s Section 60 September 11, 2012 in Arlington, Virginia. The Obamas visited the cemetery’s Section 60 where many victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks and those who have fought in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been laid to rest. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

A reader breaks down in tears while reading victims’ names during ceremonies marking the 11th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, in New York, September 11, 2012. (Eric Thayer/Reuters)

A family member of a victim of the 9/11 visits the Pentagon Memorial before a remembrance ceremony September 11, 2012 in Arlington, Virginia. U.S. President Barack Obama is scheduled to joined staff and family members at the Pentagon to commemorate the eleventh anniversary of the September 11 attacks. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

An unidentified man sits alone on a bench before a memorial service on the 11th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001 to honor the 184 people who lost their lives when American Airlines flt. 77 crashed into the Pentagon outside Washington, September 11, 2012. (Larry Downing/Reuters)

A man walks by a flag near the World Trade Center site before ceremonies marking the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center at Ground Zero in New York September 11, 2012. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

Family members and Friends observe a moment of silence during Commemoration Ceremony of the 11th Anniversary of September 11th by the North Pool at World Trade Center September 11, 2012 in New York. (Chang W. Lee/Pool/AFP/Getty Images)

U.S. President Barack Obama (L) and first lady Michelle Obama (R) observe a moment of silence with White House staff to mark the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks September 11, 2012 at the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

A flower and an American flag are placed next to the names inscribed on the edge of the memorial pool during the observances held on the eleventh anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, September 11, 2012 in New York. (Mary Altaffer-Pool/AFP/Getty Images)

A woman cries as she leans on a friend near the name of Thomas Tong who died in the attacks, at the South Pool wall of the 9/11 Memorial during observances held on the eleventh anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, at the site in New York, September 11, 2012. (Craig Ruttle/AFP/Getty Images)

Dennis Swindell kisses the name of his partner Gary Lee Bright on the South Tower pool wall during observances held on the eleventh anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, at the site in New York, September 11, 2012. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)

The shadow of the Baltimore World Trade Center traverses the 911 Memorial of Maryland this morning, creating a sun dial. Here, the sun dial shadow reaches the mark of 9:59 a.m, when the South Tower of the World Trade Center fell. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun)

Jeremy Hamilton places a U.S. flag next to a memorial bearing two pieces of steel from the World Trade Center in Weehawken, New Jersey, across from the skyline of New York, September 11, 2012. Thousands will gather in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania to mark the 11th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. (Gary Hershorn/Reuters)

People walk through the “Empty Sky” memorial dedicated to the victims of the attack on the World Trade Center at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, September 10, 2012. New York will mark the 11th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center with ceremonies on Tuesday. (Gary Hershorn/Reuters)

A serviceman walks through the “Empty Sky” memorial dedicated to the victims of the attack on the World Trade Center at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, September 10, 2012. New York will mark the 11th anniversay of the attack on the World Trade Center with ceremonies on Tuesday. (Gary Hershorn/Reuters)

A US flag flies over the 9/11 Memorial before observances on the eleventh anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, at the site on September 11, 2012 in New York. (John Moore/AFP/Getty Images)

People pause outside of the World Trade Center site on the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist on September 11, 2012 in New York City. New York City and the nation are commemorating the eleventh anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks which resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people after two hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and one crash landed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (4th R) and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), speak with Miah Afsaruddin (2nd R) during ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2012 in New York City. (John Moore/Getty Images)

Ava Kathleen Schmoelzer, age 7, from Stamford, CT, places flowers on the South Tower memorial pool wall for her aunt during observances for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Timothy A. Clary-Pool/Getty Images)

People stand at the 9/11 Memorial during ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2012 in New York City. (John Moore/Getty Images)

Judy Parisio (R) and Linda Malbrba make a rubbing of their niece’s name, Frances Ann Cilente, who died at the World Trade Center, during memorial ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Chang W. Lee-Pool/Getty Images)

Port Authority Police Officers carry an American flag that flew over at the World Trade Center towers during memorial ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Justin Lane-Pool/Getty Images)

Alicia Watkins, of Washington, DC, makes a rubbing of a friend’s name at the South Pool during memorial ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Justin Lane-Pool/Getty Images)

New York City Firefighter Dan Kenny looks out over the South Pool during memorial ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Justin Lane-Pool/Getty Images)

A man stands along Trinity Place before ceremonies marking the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center at Ground Zero in New York September 11, 2012. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

Linda Torrens holds a portrait of her cousin Janine Nicole Gonzalez before the start of the memorial ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site September 11, 2012 in New York City. (CMary Altaffera-Pool/Getty Images)

People take a rubbing of a name of a loved-one inscribed on one of the reflecting pools before the start of the memorial ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Todd Maidel-Pool/Getty Images)

The family of Tonyell McDay of Colonia, NJ rubs her name inscribed on the north tower memorial before the start of the memorial ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Chris Pedota-Pool/Getty Images)

Jose Gonzales sits in Zuccotti Park before ceremonies marking the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center at Ground Zero in New York September 11, 2012. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

Fire and police officers hold a large American flag before the start of the memorial ceremonies for the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on lower Manhattan at the World Trade Center site September 11, 2012 in New York City. (Todd Maidel-Pool/Getty Images)

The skyline rises over Lower Manhattan on the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist on September 11, 2012 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The Tribute in Light illuminates the sky over New York’s lower Manhattan skyline a day ahead of the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks as Natsuki, of Yokohama, Japan, raises his arms for a portrait in New York September 10, 2012. The Tribute in Light is an art installation near the site of the World Trade Center in remembrance of the September 11 attacks. (Adrees Latif/Reuters)

US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta lays a wreath at the Flight 93 National Memorial during ceremonies commemorating the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2012. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)

A woman looks at flowers at the Flight 93 National Memorial ahead of the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2012. (Mandel Ngan/Pool/AFP/Getty Images)

Baltimore, MD-9/10/12-Amy Carrick, operations supervisor of Top of the World, stands by the 9/11 memorial exhibit on the top floor of the World Trade Center. The photographs are of all Marylanders killed in the 9/11 attacks. (Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun)

Courtney Peller (R), 14, Taylor Duffy (C) and Caitlin Rakowski, both 15, embrace as they look at the field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 9, 2011, where United flight 93 crashed on September 11, 2001. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images)

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that the September 11 victims would be remembered “no matter how many years pass” as Americans marked the 11th anniversary of the attacks in which nearly 3,000 people were killed by airliners hijacked by Islamist militants.

Two of the passenger jets brought down the Twin Towers of New York City’s World Trade Center, another hit the Pentagon outside Washington and a fourth crashed in a field in Pennsylvania when passengers aboard that flight fought back against the hijackers.

Obama, speaking at the Pentagon where 184 people were killed, told victims’ families that the whole country shares their loss.

“Eleven times we have paused in remembrance and reflection, in unity and in purpose,” Obama said. “This is never an easy day, but it is especially difficult for all of you, the families of nearly 3,000 innocents who lost their lives.”

“But no matter how many years pass, no matter how many times we come together on this hallowed ground, know this: That you will never be alone, your loved ones will never be forgotten. They will endure in the hearts of our nation because through their sacrifice they helped us make the America we are today, an America that has emerged even stronger.”

Speaking under clear blue skies that recalled the crisp morning of September 11, 2001, Obama said America’s fight is not with Islam but with al Qaeda, the group responsible for the attacks, and its allies.

This is a line he has used several times since taking office promising to mend ties with the Muslim world.

“I’ve always said our fight is with al Qaeda and its affiliates, not with Islam or any other religion,” he said. “This country was built as a beacon of freedom and tolerance.”

At Ground Zero in New York where the towers once stood, the annual reading of the list of 2,983 people killed at the three sites began at 8:39 a.m. (1239 GMT).

One Comment

tiffany
Sep 12, 2012 @
11:29:20

i personaly cant imagine what all these families felt but one thing is for sure 9/11 will never be forgotten in my heart because to me that is a very important day and i respect everyone who tried to help save all those people so thank you to the firefighters who worked that day.

The Darkroom offers Facebook and WordPress commenting in the hopes of fostering constructive conversation among our users. Please abide by our
Terms of Service when commenting on the site.

Categories

ABOUT THE DARKROOM

The Darkroom, the photography and video blog of The Baltimore Sun, shines a light on visually captivating stories of our past and present. It showcases the exciting work of our staff, offers tips in the craft, and highlights the emerging community of independent media makers. We want your feedback – please contact us with suggestions and ideas.

Recent Comments

Drone Free: Yes! Very very cool.
I think the use of drones will primar…

Stephanie: Dale you are awesome and u are amazing u keep ur head high a…

Emily P Tilley: It is truly refreshing when I see pictures of old Baltimore …

Jay Miller: Kaitlin,
Thank you for sharing this story. So tragic. I pra…